"Tilt your head up a bit- perfect! Just like that!"

A bright flash illuminated the set when the cameraman snapped a picture. Blinding light was dulled by a multicolored off-camera softbox. The umbrella shaped device was used to further brighten the model's face, while also making it less likely for her eyesight to be impacted when her photo was taken.

A series of small lamps dangled off of a metal rod on the low ceiling. Standing lights stood around the set as well. A plain white backdrop was brought to life by vibrant shadows. The striking, dark visual was partially hidden behind multiple props.

Other workers were standing around the set, purposely out of shot of the camera. A few models on standby were getting their hair and makeup retouched. The sweet, fruity smell of gel lingered in the air. As did a faint scent of light concealer.

With the day's shoot theme being about winter wear, all present models were clad in warm clothing. Jackets, hats, pants, scarves, and boots were adorned. Formfitting thermal wear was mixed into the session's designated wardrobe as well.

A plethora of patterns and colors were spotted throughout the room. Most outfits had a specific theme of dark bases enhanced by bright, appealing accents.

Black jackets were brought to life by fuchsia and scarlet that made up the soft interior of large hoodies. Dark gray scarves faded to stunning indigo further toward the ends. Thick black joggers were given some personality by streaks of purple that ran up and down their lengths.

Vibrant colors peeking through dark bases portrayed the idea of warm, beautiful spring lurking in the bleak clutches of winter. It was a set of transition pieces that were used to start gearing up for next quarter's seasonal catalog.

Alessandro looked over a picture that the photographer shared from his camera.

A female model was seen wearing a striped red and black hat, a black coat, and long joggers with red accents on the side. Since the shoot was from the knees up, she was only wearing a pair of socks. Her gaze was toward a far off spot to give the illusion of looking up at snow. Since that feature would have to be edited in later, she had to do some pretending on her part. Still, the photo as a whole came out nice.

It received a nod in approval.

"All right, people," the cameraman called out, "a few more models are coming in for the second set of pictures. If you want, sit down- go to the bathroom- do whatever. But make sure you're ready to start back up in fifteen."

"Some snacks have just been dropped off, so feel free to get your fill. There's donuts, coffee, tea, and hot chocolate. There are vegan options available as well for anyone who has a preference," Alessandro added.

The notion of food made multiple people perk up. A few sat down on the floor, while others made a direct beeline for the table that housed the previously mentioned snacks.

Spotlights were turned off to let them cool down. A large overhead lamp filled the room with a less intense hue.

Alessandro took a moment to go over a few more pictures. His arms crossed over his chest, but his overall posture remained lax. Kempt eyebrows furrowed when he had to focus on more minute details.

He listened when the photographer explained his thought process with each presented photo. Why some people looked to the left instead of the right; why some people sat down instead of standing; why some people were made to smile rather than staying neutral or surprised or excited—everything was discussed.

Some artistic choices were tweaked as per the big boss' request, but he was pretty happy with what the photographer had.

When the cameraman excused himself to grab some coffee, Alessandro stretched his arms above his head. He moved to stand against a wall in order to stay out of the way. A fake smile stayed planted on his face to present him as approachable. More than anything though, he just wanted a moment to himself.

Unfortunately, no one else would know that as his mask was still in place.

"Strange to see you hiding over here considering your false want to remain noticed."

Alessandro couldn't help but chuckle.

Of course he'd see through the facade.

"I'm not hiding- just taking a breather. People know they can come up to me if they want to. You did."

"Yeah, but unlike the rest of these people, I know how to read you. If it seems like you're busy, they won't be inclined to interrupt. You're welcome for that."

Lance leaned against the wall as well. He brought a cup of hot chocolate to his lips. Bluish gray eyes were focused on a random point on the floor.

His loose strands were parted off to the side, so one of his eyebrows were more hidden than the other. A light layer of foundation brought some extra color to his face. He was clad in one of the thermal outfits, consisting of a navy turtleneck and black leggings. Black shifted to royal blue closer to the ankle. Fuzzy green socks completed the look.

It was noticed how a clear coating of nail polish gave Lance's appearance a cleaner look. A shiny chain sat against his collarbone. Sleek metal was bright against the darker navy of his turtleneck. Underlying muscles appeared soft beneath the fabric.

The look itself seemed like an outfit that was a bit more up Lance's alley in comparison to some of the clothes he wore in his portfolio pictures.

"You look nice." Alessandro's smile softened, becoming more authentic.

"Bit of a shame that I'll have to give these back. I actually like this outfit."

"You can keep it. I know other agencies usually take the clothes back, but here we give models the option of taking stuff home if they want to."

Lance hummed in response, meeting his boss' gaze.

Alessandro saw how winged eyeliner brought out the color in those familiar eyes. It was interesting how the makeup team decided to not add mascara. Then again, Lance's eyelashes were already long and voluminous, so additional makeup probably wasn't needed.

"...You seem a little off today. Like you're tired."

"Yeah, people keep telling me that."

"Because it's true. What, does your large, successful business leave you without the capability of resting at home?"

"...Just some trouble sleeping is all."

"Hm." Lance brought his attention forward again. "Take a second to rest your eyes. Don't want your faulty ass vision getting in the way of going over pictures."

Alessandro snickered at the slight insult. Instead of commenting on it though, he actually did as told.

His head rolled back until it met the wall. A long, quiet sigh escaped him. Lance continued drinking his hot chocolate and didn't pay his boss any mind.

Neither male bothered to speak. For the first time since they met, however, the surrounding atmosphere wasn't tense or awkward. The silence was actually rather peaceful. It remained so until a sharp elbow gently poked Alessandro in the ribs.

"Cameraman is getting ready."

And just like that, Mr. Bale came back onto the scene. "Meet me in my office when we're done here. I'd like to talk to you."

"Figured as much." Lance moved to throw out his cup.

Alessandro led them back over to the shoot set. Overhead lighting was swapped for spotlights again. Models congregated around the cameraman. After ensuring that everyone was presentable, work resumed.

The environment shifted as group photos were captured. Alessandro did his best to look at his models intricately, but he found his gaze continuously landing on Lance.

During one photo set, he was standing off to the side behind a few models kneeling on the floor. His weight was distributed on one leg, so his opposite hip was pushed out. The pose accentuated the muscles in his thighs and glutes.

Lance was also making it seem like he was stretching, so one of his arms braced against the other as it was pointed toward the ceiling. The action partially revealed the pale skin above his hip. A black tattoo was uncovered. Intricate shapes appeared to be of Japanese characters.

Alessandro couldn't help himself when his eyes wandered, even if it only happened for a few seconds. When he brought his attention back up, he caught Lance's gaze.

They kept eye contact for all of a second before bringing their attention back onto work.

It'd be a lie if either of them said it was an isolated incident. Poses came and went. As did groups that fluctuated in size. Whenever Lance was up for a picture, his eyes somehow always met Alessandro's.

He tried to seek refuge by looking over the photographs on the camera a few times. Bluish gray eyes were just as intense on a screen as they were in real life.

Being watched in such a way made him feel... something. Some emotion that couldn't really be perceived as good or bad.

Perhaps he was just overwhelmed about having Lance's attention after not doing so for over a decade.

Another pose saw Lance sitting on a chair. He was leaning his elbows on his knees, and one hand was pushing his hair out of his face. A female model had her arms wrapped around him from behind. The action revealed swirling pink designs that were etched into her black long sleeve. Her long auburn locks pooled over both of their shoulders.

It was noticed how she pressed her body a little too close to Lance. A playful smile was on her face, but the innocent gesture didn't completely shield a rather hungry look in her hazel eyes.

Even with such a close position from a clearly interested party being held, Lance's gaze still darted toward a pair of green irises.

A few more poses were photographed before the cameraman ended the shoot. Delighted sighs and cheers filled up the room. Alessandro gave his sincerest thanks for everyone working so hard. He claimed that the finished pictures would be printed next week, and that he'd let them all know when the group viewing would be.

A few high fives were given by some models, as well as other employees. His arm grazed Lance's when the two passed each other. It was a nonverbal gesture reminding him of their meeting upstairs.

Stephan waved to Alessandro in passing when the two met near the office. He offered a compliment about the day's work and bid a quick goodnight.

Twinkling lights from neighboring buildings made their way into the room through uncovered windows. Slow steps echoed against the silence of a large, mostly unoccupied space. Yellow splotches of color reflected off of polished Oxfords. The tint gave a bit of additional warmth to tan skin.

Just like the other day, red and white filled up the street outside of the building. Horns honked impatiently despite the vehicles waiting behind a red traffic light.

Time dragged on with Alessandro's attention on the city street below. An opening door followed by light footsteps let him know that he was no longer by himself. A presence settled beside him near the window.

"That model seemed pretty interested in you."

"The redhead, right?" Lance answered. "Guess I should spare her feelings by letting her know I'm gay."

"Maybe."

"...Your secretary is pretty cute if I'm being honest. Big brown eyes. Highlighted hair. Seems a little young though. How long's he been working for you?"

"About two years. He got the job fresh out of community college if that paints how old he is."

"Two years? And he got a position as the big boss' secretary? Who'd he have to sleep with to make that happen?"

Alessandro smirked at the jab disguised as a joke. "Hate to burst your bubble, but Stephan is straight and married. Plus, I'm demisexual."

"I thought you were bi?"

"Gay, actually. And being demisexual just means I only really find people sexually attractive after I make a strong emotional connection with them. And while Stephan and I are... close, I guess... we aren't close in that regard. I... haven't really been close to anyone like that in a long time."

"...Is that why you aren't married? Because people aren't putting the effort in to get to know you?"

"It's not them- it's me. I don't give people the chance to get close. Like you said earlier, you know how to read me. You're the only one who knows that Alessandro and Mr. Bale are two different people. No one really knows who I am behind closed doors. Well, except for my cat."

"You always did love your felines," Lance commented before fully realizing what he said. He glanced to the side after doing so.

"You could come and meet her if you'd like."

"Alessandro." They made eye contact for what felt like the millionth time. "Why does catching up mean so much to you? We've already proven that we can peacefully work together."

"It may be peaceful, but there's still tension between us. Leaving things unresolved isn't doing us any favors," he explained. "The quicker we do it, the quicker I drop it. And the quicker I drop it, the quicker we can really start working together at our fullest potential."

Lance walked around the room with his arms crossed over his chest. The hand with the spider tattoo passed through strands of black hair.

Alessandro watched his ex as he moved.

"...You promise you'll drop it?"

"I promise."

Lance sighed before offering a nod. "Fine. But we're getting pizza on the way over."